Post-treatment of Poly-pphenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) Fibers Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

摘要

Poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) is one of a class of rigid-rod isotropic crystal polymers that orient easily into extended chain configurations to produce fibers with excellent strength and modulus. PBO polymer was originally developed by the U.S. Air Force to replace metals in various aerospace applications and is known for its excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance [1-4]. PBO fibers have exceptionally high strength (5.8GPa), stiffness (180-270 GPa), and relatively low density (1.54 g/cm~3) that make them an ideal candidate for many military applications as well.